Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is launching a 24-hour transport pilot to provide night bus services within its Bee Network.
The pilot will commence from 1 September to support the region’s night-time economy.
Night buses will run on routes V1 and 36, connecting Manchester with Leigh and Bolton via Salford. These areas were among the first to be taken over by the Bee Network, with bus services now under local control.
Throughout the trial, nighttime services will run at least every hour to provide 24-hour connectivity.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:I’m really excited by Greater Manchester’s potential as an engine of growth – but it will only be fully realised if we have the transport infrastructure in place to get people to and from our thriving employment centres whatever the time of day or night.
Better transport at night is something I know people have been crying out for, and I must thank Sacha Lord, who has been instrumental in getting us to the point where we can confirm the first night Bee Network services are now just a few weeks away.
The Bee Network allows us to develop the services that best serve people and businesses across our city region. Transport should never be a barrier to opportunity, and this is a step towards improving things for people who work – or want to work – in our hospitals, care homes, clubs, bars, distribution centres or theatres.
February’s Greater Manchester Residents Survey revealed that more than a quarter (27%) of people said a lack of public transport at night has prevented them from accessing opportunities such as work, night classes, socialising or late-night healthcare services.
The V1 and 36 were chosen for this pilot due to their proximity to key nighttime economy employment sites, such as hotels, bars and clubs, hospitals and distribution centres. These routes also serve areas with high numbers of people less likely to own a car.
Safety will be a key priorty in the delievery of the night bus services. The Bee Network’s team of Travelsafe Support and Enforcement Officers (TSEOs) will thus be extended to support the pilot.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:The safety of customers and staff will be of paramount importance on night bus services. A team of Travelsafe Support and Enforcement Officers has already been deployed on the Bee Network to provide a highly visible presence and this approach will be extended to support the night bus pilot.
Customers can also report incidents quickly and discreetly to a police call handler from their smartphone using the GMP LiveChat service accessed through the Bee Network app.
We are also examining the potential for further action in the coming months to continue to improve safety, and the perception of safety, across public transport and active travel as part of our zero tolerance towards crime and anti social behaviour.
